Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - 3.5/5-4/5

I enjoyed this a lot, it was a really easy to watch film. I started watching it and before I knew it the film was over
From what I remember of the book (which isn't much ) this is much closer to the book than the 1971 musical version (which Dahl reportedly hated). Mr. Bucket (Charlie's father) isn't in the 1971 version.
As with the 1971 version the set design and costumes are brilliant. I liked Johnny Depp as Wonka at first and then he started to slightly annoy me - Johnny Depp is very good but however much he would prove to the contrary, I feel his performance of the childish Wonka is reminiscent of another man-child, and just a bit too weird. He didn't endear himself to me like Gene Wilder, who was more charming.
There are some clever updates to the story - Mike Teevee is now a violent video game addict for example, and Roald Dahl's script is more vigorously adhered to - all the songs are the same as the book, which I liked a lot.



During the part where Wonka is sending Wonka bars by television, there's a great little reference to Planet of the Apes (1968) - which Tim Burton directed the 2001 remake of.

This version is definitely much closer to the book than the 1971 version.

And:

Not sure why you spoiler'ed this part.

That actually seemed more like a reference to 2001 than to Planet of the Apes.

D'oh! You may be right



I also found it ironic that Gene Wilder's song on the boat in the 1971 version -"there's no earthly way of knowing..." was the only portion of Dahl's script in that version, and yet while the 2005 version is closer to the book, it doesnt use that song.

I ordered the 1971 version on DVD after seeing Burton's version.
In the first film, its said Charlie's father has died.

I really liked the songs on this one. Deep Roy's dancing really elevated this movie for me. My kids are still singing "Augustus Gloop, Augustus Gloop, he's a great big nincompoop..."

Yeah they did make me laugh, for sure.
It struck me although this is "closer to the book", there are a few bits that arent like the book at all in the 2005 version - the father-son dentist thing, the backstory with Grandpa Joe being a worker at the factory, and especially the ending of the film.

I thought the movie was great, but I was disappointed that the DVD didn't have commentary with Depp. I would have liked to hear his viewpoint on different portions of the movie.

That's the feelings I have about it as well. The visuals were very impressive.

I am 100% agreed with your thoughts about this movie.

I like both... the original and 2005 ompa loopas could have looked better somehow and the 2005 Depp Willy Wonka I agree was too childish... he seemed strange even..... definetly a dvd worth owning the original/2005 and even the book for for your collection and comparison